Pesticide-free farming turns these fruits into nutritional superstars

(August 1, 2007) -- More proof that some organic foods may be better for you: Kiwifruit grown without pesticides end up with higher levels of heart-healthy polyphenols and vitamin C than conventionally grown fruits, food scientists at the University of California, Davis, recently found. Polyphenols repel bugs, which find their taste bitter; when chemical pesticides (a no-no in organic foods regulation) aren't used, the fruits produce more of these good-for-you, heart-healthy substances to increase their chances of survival.